In a faraway land of flowers called Fleur, lived a princess. She was named after the pretty and amiable flower , the symbol of their kingdom - Rose. Growing up, she heard praises and recognition. Gets everything at her every request. Indeed a charming and smart princess, anyone would love. If not only for her bad habit. Honesty is her family's creed but in her case, she's just being tactless.
There was a time, where she bumped against a flower vendor in the market. Knowing her place, the old woman said sorry, though it was not her fault. She owned up for the princess' mistake. Slandering her with these words the princess said,
'A peasant should know her place. Look at your wrinkled skin, disgusting! You and your cheap withered flowers will meet the same fate - to die miserable.'
Few months have past and the kingdom was busy preparing for the princess' birthday, as well as their annual flower festival. All were gathered in the kingdom and is set to offer a gift to Princess Rose. The palace jeweler took off his hat and knelt in front of the princess. That box contained a lovely trinket. It was a necklace made of silver with a ruby pendant. It definitely pleased her. After the long parade of gifts, it was time to conclude the festival. All were set to witness the fireworks display in the palace grounds. Not long before and unexpected guest arrived. A stunner in her fancy ball gown.
'Pardon the intrusion dear princess but this gift just can't wait. Please have it before you go see the fireworks.'
She did as she was told. Opening a box with a withered rose, the princess was disappointed and yelled.
'Who do you take me for? this is no gift it's trash!'
The unknown visitor gently smiled at her.
'It's magical my dear princess. Close your eyes and open it after. Behold its true beauty.'
The withered rose enchantingly bloomed into a glowing red flower. It's stem turned green and fresh. Princess Rose smiled in amusement. But that curvy lips formed a thin line when blood started to drip from her hands as she held it. Roses in their kingdom never had thorns, not until then.
'Those thorns symbolizes your nasty and tactless attitude my princess. How many have you cut with your words? It's like a knife stubbing your heart. Once said it can't be undone.'
'What sorcery is this? I can't move. '
The princess let go of the rose and as it fell to the ground, she's nowhere to be found. That visitor took it her hands, unharmed by its thorns.
' People would still love you, if and only if they get rid of your thorns. Let's see how much you could take growing silent for centuries. No one would trade a box of beautiful flowers with a box of thorns. You can't run away from this fate now. It will be an endless chase to break the spell. '
The rose flickering, as if asking a question.
'What? A way to undo the spell you say? Hmmm it maybe close to impossible but I'm telling it anyway. You are to become human again, if someone picks you up from the road. Not only that, he needs to take care of you. The moment you turn back into a human there is only one word you could speak, the sincerest desire of your heart. '
After that, Princess Rose found herself waking up in the busy rustles and aromatic smells. Besides the stinky odor of the rain puddle near her. She's in a flower market. People ignored her for days, thinking she was just a cheap filthy flower lying on the road. That night she already gave up the hope of being a human again.
A screechy footstep was nearing her, she wanted to run and hide but she can't move. Too bad flowers don't have legs. She felt a hand grabbed her. Believe it or not, she fainted. Next thing she knew, a scissor was on it way to her skinny stem. She shouted but not an ounce of voice let out from her scream. Thinking cutting her down would hurt her but it didn't.
After she was cut down, he put her in a pot with soil and watered her. Few more days have past and he continued to tend for her.
'I know this sounds crazy, about me talking to a plant like you...but it helps. At least you're not here to judge, not that you can say anything anyway. You know we have this princess, she's nasty and doesn't care about others' feelings when she talks. My grandma, she died because of her. She saved her from that poisonous flower. It grew exactly where princess fell, I saw it. '
The boy fell asleep in tears. As he awoke he felt someone stroking his hair. Though in a daze, he stood up and saw this girl.
'You! how did you get here? If you plan on stealing, try your luck I have nothing.'
The girl just shook her head, then the boy remembered about last night. His favorite confidant.
' What have you done with it? the flower on that pot, did you sell it? '
She continues to shake her head as she shed tears. Surprised by it she wiped them with the back of her hands.
'Sorry.'
That was the only word she could say. To the boy it meant like an apology for the flower in a pot but to the princess it's grievance for her grandmother. Then it dawned to him, that's why her face seemed familiar.
' You're the princess, aren't you? ' This time she nodded.
If it's words that cursed her, it's words that brought her back. Though she still lose this one friend by mere words too.
Once said it can't be undone...
It resounded in her head. She'd rather be mute, than hurt anyone else with her words again.
